Israel & Istanbul – May/June 2015



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If you’ve ever wanted to look out over the landscapes of the Patriarchs, of David and Solomon, and of Jesus and His disciples, now is your chance. I am planning to lead a tour of Israel and Istanbul May 27 – June 6, 2015. The trip departs from New York and flies to Tel Aviv (via Istanbul). Our first days and nights will be in Jerusalem, visiting the Mount of Olives, the town of Bethlehem and the Shepherds’ Fields, the Old City of Jerusalem, the Garden Tomb, and other meaningful sites. The next several days will be based in the Galilee, as we visit the Mount of Beatitudes, the town of Nazareth, and the fabulous ruins of Caesarea. After our time in Israel, we’ll take a side trip to Istanbul, a city rich in Christian history. Here we’ll visit the Hagai Sophia, one of the most famous churches in history. You’ll also see Topkapi Palace, the Brand Bazaar, the Blue Mosque, and the Underground Cistern. Here is the general schedule:

  • May 27 – Depart New York
  • May 28 – Arrive in Tel Aviv and proceed on to Jerusalem.
  • May 29 – Jerusalem
  • May 30 – Jerusalem, Bethany, Jericho, Tiberias
  • May 31 – Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee region
  • June 1 – The Galilee
  • June 2 – The Galilee, including Cana, Nazareth, Megiddo, and Ceasarea
  • June 3 – Free day in Jerusalem; evening flight to Istanbul
  • June 4 – Istanbul
  • June 5 – Istanbul
  • June 6 – Return home

In addition to a Jewish guide, I’ll be teaching and lecturing at many of the sites. The whole land of Israel will become a classroom for students of the Bible.

The base cost of the trip is $3,148, from New York, which includes hotels, most meals, all tours and transportation, and the full services of a guide. Not included are airport taxes ($538), tips ($110); and a Turkish visa, issued on arrival in Istanbul ($20). The total cost is $3816.

There is a $100 discount for deposits made by September 10, or a discount of $50 for deposits made by December 11, 2014.

Van Stewart and I have been traveling together to Israel for more than thirty years, and Van handles all logistics and arrangements.

To reserve your spot, click here to download the full brochure, which contains all the trip details and payment information.

If you have further questions, please call Sherry Anderson at 615-871-4769 and we will respond as promptly as possible.